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Yellow sun above snow-covered mountains. Calm sea with small boats in front.
A blue train on the Ofot line above a fjord.
Exterior of Quality Hotel Grand Royal in Narvik on a sunny day.
A fishing boat in front, Henningsvær Bryggehotell to the left, small fishing boats and wooden buidlings by a quay to the right. Mountain behind.
A quay in Henningsvær. Fishing boats and wooden houses.

Arctic Experience

Experience some of the finest arctic landscapes in Norway on a five-day self-drive holiday. The Arctic Experience itinerary includes two nights in Lofoten and two nights in Narvik, as well as spectacular activities in both destinations.
Henningsvær seen from the piert. Quay, wooden buildings and fishing boats on both sides of the strait. Mountain behind.

A proper arctic experience

Visit the spectacular arctic region north of the polar circle in Norway on this 5-days holiday. In addition to the activities and accommodations suggested in this itinerary, there is plenty of time to further explore both Narvik and Lofoten.

Suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrival to Lofoten, check in to Nyvågar Rorbuhotell
  • Day 2: Seafari by rib boat from Svolvær to Trollfjorden
  • Day 3: Drive to Narvik, check in to Quality Hotel Grand Royal
  • Day 4: The Arctic Train and other activities
  • Day 5: Departure from Narvik

We recommend driving your own car, alternatively a rental car.

Two people sitting outide on terrasse of Nyvågar Rorbuhotel in Lofoten

Day 1. Day 1: Arrival to Lofoten

The beautiful archipelago of Loften is first on your agenda, and you will explore it from the Nyvågar Rorbuhotell idyllically located in the area of Storvågan near Kabelvåg and Svolvær, which used to be an important trade post. Nowadays, you are welcome to stay in the comfortable and spacious fishing huts called “rorbuer”, modernised to a hotel standard. In addition, you may relax in our spa, enjoy a nice meal in our restaurant, and taste aquavit in The Aquavit Loft Bar.

Enjoy genuine North-Norwegian hospitality in Nyvågar Rorbuhotell’s charming restaurant. Chef Andre loves creating meals inspired by the surrounding nature and uses local produce with an international twist. The restaurant’s seaside location means fresh seafood all year.

View of Henningsvær from Mt. Festvågtinden. Cloudy sky, blue sea and islands in front of peak with one person.

Day 2: Activities in Lofoten

After breakfast it is time to see Lofoten from the sea on an exciting seafari on a RIB boat from Svolvær

With a maximum speed of 30 knots the RIB will take you on an adventurous journey to the magical Trollfjorden. You will have panoramic views to the coastline with its majestic peaks and visit the white-tailed eagles’ territories around small islets. The skilled guides stop and explain throughout the tour – plus they know where the eagles live!

The rest of the day is up to you. Make sure to go for a walk around the small, yet urban, Svolvær village. See the characteristic view from the pier and stop by one of the cosy cafés for lunch. What about a hike to Mt. Festvågtind before dinner? For more inspiration, read our 10 good reasons to visit Lofoten.

A receptionist handing out a room key to a woman with long blonde hair.

Day 3: Drive to Narvik

It is time to move on. The beautiful and historically interesting region around Narvik is next on the agenda. The picturesque drive to Narvik takes a little less than 4 hours, but we recommend taking your time to stop at interesting places along the route.

Upon arrival to Narvik you check in to Quality Hotel Grand Royal in the heart of the town centre. The hotel offers a comfortable stay in modern style and got two restaurants to choose between. Perhaps you should try Rallar’n Pub & Kro on the ground floor the first night, and then end your holiday with fine dining to great views at Linken Restaurant & Bar on the top floor the second night?

The Arctic Train to the left, Rombak fjord to the right and snowy mountains in the background.

Day 4: Activities in Narvik

After a hearty breakfast it is time to explore Narvik’s surroundings and learn about its interesting history. A return-trip with The Arctic Train is included. In the course of an hour, the train and takes you to Bjørnfjell on the border to Sweden. You will travel through a unique and changing landscape, from fjord views to alpine mountain terrain. Interesting historical events, such as the difficult construction of the Ofot railway line and battles during World War 2, form a dramatic backdrop.

The rest of the day is at your own disposal. We recommend a visit to Narvik War Museum to learn more about wars and the Battle of Narvik in 1940. Another option, suitable for all ages, is a visit to Polar Park approx. 1 hour drive north. This is the world’s most northern animal park, and home to Norway’s large predators such as bears, wolves and lynx. It is even possible to get close encounters with the wolves here. Narvik Cable Car is a popular way to get a good overview of the city and the surrounding area, and Narvikfjellet restaurant offers both small dishes and dinner.

More about Narvik

More about Lofoten